Amazon has responded to negative user comments by promising a software update for its Kindle Fire tablet in the next 2 weeks.

Since launch, it is believed that the device has sold well, with Amazon claiming that it has had to reorder stock already, but much of the feedback posted on the product’s listing page has consisted of complaints related to performance and user interface issues.

Some of those point at hardware issues that aren’t addressable, such as the on/off switch placement making it easy to accidentally power down the tablet, and the lack of external volume controls, however it is expected that there will be many improvements to the general running and usability.

And the best news for UK Fire fans is that these changes are likely to be implemented before the device is launched over here, early in 2012. We may be getting it late, but at least we’ll be getting a road-tested and improved version.

As reported in the New York Times, the update will be available soon, and the process will be simple: "In less than two weeks, we’re rolling out an over-the-air update to Kindle Fire," said company spokesperson, Drew Herdener.

That should appease a whole load of owners. Analysts believe that, in this quarter alone, Amazon will have sold around three to five million Kindle Fires.

Have you got your hands on a Kindle Fire yet? If so, what do you think? Do you have any issues with it? Let us know in the comments below...

Our senior ed of news and features has been a tech and games journalist for more than 27 years, and has been with Pocket-lint for over five. Rik has edited a number of videogame magazines in the past, was deputy editor of Home Cinema Choice, and his TV career included stints as co-presenter of Channel 4's Gamesmaster and Sky One’s Games World.